Wedoany.com Report on Mar 7th, Powys County Council has recently initiated a preliminary market engagement activity in preparation for the procurement of a £46 million school construction project located in Machynlleth, central Wales. The plan involves constructing an integrated school for 540 students on the existing campus, complete with childcare and early education facilities. The Council invites contractors with experience in similar design and build projects to participate in early discussions for the Ysgol Bro Hyddgen development project, preparing for the formal tender process later this year.
Ysgol Bro Hyddgen currently operates from two separate sites in the town, and the condition of the existing buildings has prompted the Council's decision to create a single, modern facility through the new school construction. The project design has progressed to RIBA Stage 4 and has received full planning permission. The new school building is planned to meet BREEAM Excellent standards and achieve net-zero carbon in operation. The Council has also set a target of less than 600 kg per square meter for embodied carbon, reflecting the concept of green school construction.
The Council stated it is exploring various procurement methods to deliver the project and achieve its planned objectives, with early contractor involvement being considered as part of the delivery strategy. The authority plans to hold one-hour individual discussions with selected companies and invites contractors with experience in similar design and build projects to register their interest. If demand exceeds capacity, meeting slots may be prioritized based on experience. Powys County Council emphasizes that participation in this market engagement activity will not affect involvement in any future procurement processes, and the discussions will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.
The school construction contract is estimated to be worth £46 million (including VAT) and is expected to run from August 28 this year to August 1, 2029. The Council anticipates issuing the tender notice for the project by May 31. The project is 65% funded by the Welsh Government's Sustainable Learning Communities Programme, with the remaining 35% borne by Powys County Council. The new school will integrate early years, primary, secondary, and further education facilities, and will include supporting amenities such as community activity rooms, an Additional Learning Needs Centre, and a 3G pitch, providing a modern educational environment for the local area through this school construction project.
